Delightful Things to Do in Santa Cruz, California
Are you planning to visit Santa Cruz, California? Are you looking for the best things to do in Santa Cruz, CA? Check out my list of must-do activities, amazing restaurants, and sites to see as you plan your trip!
This post contains affiliate links. As always, all photographs are copyrighted Reese Moore Photography unless otherwise stated and cannot be used without express permission.
The Santa Cruz Boardwalk dates to 1907, and it’s California’s oldest surviving amusement park.
This was a really fun blog post to write, but it was an even more fun town to visit. Why?
Santa Cruz has something for everyone.
What are you into? Do you relish the bright lights of over-the-top mini-golf and amusement rides? Check. Do you eat, sleep, and breathe surfing? Check. Are you looking for a meditative, peaceful haven? You’ll find those, too.
We did a little bit of everything during a non-stop weekend in Santa Cruz, and I would go back in a heartbeat! We left this seaside town with full hearts and bellies and in need of a good, long nap.
Read on for all my picks for an epic trip, and you’ll find some additional ideas of things to do in Santa Cruz at the very bottom, as well.
Watch the surfers catch waves at Steamer Lane, a famed Santa Cruz surf spot.
Wonderful Things to Do in Santa Cruz, California
Hanloh Thai and Bad Animal specialize in natural wine, flavorful eats, and good books.
Hit Hanloh Thai and Bad Animal.
What’s better than a glass of wine and a good book? A glass of wine, a good book, and tasty Thai food, obviously.
Hanloh Thai and Bad Animal have joined forces to create a space that’s basically my version of heaven. A concise but inspired food menu pairs beautifully with a dreamy natural wine list, and the eatery is nestled in the front of a lose-yourself-for-hours used book store filled with fascinating reads.
I literally could have spent hours here, and it’s at the top of my must-visit spots in Santa Cruz. We ordered a little bit of everything off the small bites menu, and our knowledgeable bartender helped me pick the perfect glass of wine. We also loved the non-alcoholic section of the menu, and my husband gave the kombucha two thumbs up.
Hanloh Thai and Bad Animal
Santa Cruz, CA 95060
The Redwood Grove Loop Trail at Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park is a must-visit during your stay in Santa Cruz.
Stroll through the redwood forest at Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park.
Walking through a redwood forest is one of the most magical experiences in our natural world, so put it at the top of your list of things to do in Santa Cruz. The Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park is an easy and beautiful 15-minute drive from the heart of downtown, so you can make a day of it or integrate a visit into your planned itinerary.
And, if you’re looking for more unique ways to experience the Santa Cruz redwoods, I’ve got a blog post for that!
Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park
Felton CA 95018
What’s a game of mini-golf without black lights, cannons, and animatronic pirates?
Play your wildest game of mini-golf at Neptune’s Kingdom.
Arrrrrrgh you ready for an exciting pirate-themed game of mini-golf, complete with firing cannons and animatronics?
The Santa Cruz Boardwalk makes every single list of the best things to do in Santa Cruz, and there’s a reason: there are some really fun things there, even if you’re not usually into flashing lights, touristy spots, and amusement park rides.
We had a blast at this over-the-top mini-golf course, but I would make this your evening or rainy day plan, and don’t try to cram it in before or after another activity: you may be waiting for a while. We teed off on a rainy night during the off-season, and it was still packed. Fortunately, you have plenty to look at while waiting for your turn on the green.
Neptune’s Kingdom
400 Beach Street
Santa Cruz, CA 95060
Relax at Hidden Peak Teahouse.
One of the things I loved about Santa Cruz was how multi-faceted the city is. You can spend the day riding adrenaline-fueled amusement park rides and pounding the buttons at flashing arcade games, or you can settle in for a quiet afternoon of pu-erh tea and quality conversation in a digital-free hideaway.
Tucked away from popular Pacific Avenue, Hidden Peak Teahouse specializes in session-style gung-fu tea service, and they have a beautiful garden patio, as well. We dropped in on a rainy day and lucked into a cozy corner tea table, where we savored seemingly endless tiny cups of delightful 40-year-old tea.
Hidden Peak Teahouse
1541-C Pacific Ave.
Santa Cruz, CA 95060
Bookworms beware: you’ll want to spend hours perusing the aisles at Bookshop Santa Cruz.
Get lost in Bookshop Santa Cruz.
Are you a bookstore connoisseur? Be sure to check out Bookshop Santa Cruz during your visit. This independent bookshop opened its doors in 1966, and you’ll find everything from fine literature to raunchy romances and adorable gifts.
There’s truly something for everyone at this expansive bookshop, but if your companions aren’t bibliophiles, they’ll enjoy wandering the neighboring retail spaces while you take your time perusing the endless aisles of books.
Bookshop Santa Cruz
Santa Cruz, CA. 95060
Nothing beats a sourdough bread bowl of steaming clam chowder with waterfront views on a chilly day.
Enjoy an oceanfront meal on the Santa Cruz Wharf.
Admittedly, the Santa Cruz Wharf is one of the more “touristy” spots in the town, but it’s still one of the best things to do in Santa Cruz, especially if you don’t live near the ocean. (We do live by the ocean, and waterfront dining is still always a treat for us.)
Take a stroll down the wharf and grab a table by the water to enjoy ocean views with your entree. Keep an eye out for marine life (we spotted a sea lion) and watch the local surfers catch some waves. You can park on the wharf, which surprised us, and this area is known for its t-shirt and gift shops tucked between the restaurants.
Santa Cruz Wharf
Santa Cruz, CA 95060
The artisan chocolates at Flower Bar come in a wide variety of exciting flavor profiles.
Treat yourself to a build-your-own bouquet and gourmet chocolate at Flower Bar.
A build-your-own bouquet bar, artisan chocolates, and a gourmet coffee bar? Yes, please. We stumbled into Flower Bar during a gray and rainy day in Santa Cruz, and it was the most charming ray of sunshine.
The well-designed space offers cozy seating, tasty treats, and a carefully curated gift selection. We treated ourselves to a chocolate tasting of six artisan truffles, and each flavor profile was uniquely delicious. Did we call it lunch? Maybe, I’ll never tell.
Flower Bar
Santa Cruz, CA 95060
Climb aboard Roaring Camp’s 1800s steam trains for a delightful and informative ride.
Climb aboard one of Roaring Camp’s 1800s steam trains.
Before you even wonder, let me assure you that Roaring Camp’s steam train rides are not just for kids. Whether you’re 8, 38, or 88, there is something indelibly cool about chugging through the redwood forest on an 1800s steam train, especially when you hear the whistle and watch that ghostly plume of steam waft through the darkened forest.
Book your tickets in advance, as the rides do fill up, and arrive early to browse the various historic buildings and informative exhibits, pick up a souvenir at the general store, or snap some cute photos with the train. Want to know more about our experience aboard Roaring Camp Railroad? There’s a blog for that!
Roaring Camp Railroads
Felton, CA 95018
I’ve never missed a meal in my life, but you definitely don’t want to miss one from Steamer Lane Supply while you’re visiting Santa Cruz.
Grab a bite from Steamer Lane Supply and watch the locals surf.
My husband is almost as passionate about surfing as I am about food. Fortunately, Steamer Lane Supply serves up fresh, delectable eats directly across from the Steamer Lane overlook, so you can chow down on a salmon poke bowl or fish tacos while watching the locals battle it out for killer waves.
Don’t let the laidback vibe and humble venue fool you: this established eatery dishes up made-from-scratch, mouthwatering meals that are both creative and filling. Our lunch at Steamer Lane Supply was one of our favorite meals in Santa Cruz, and you really can’t beat the view.
And, if you can’t tear your travel companion away from watching the surfers, you can wander the short distance over to the Surfing Museum until they’re ready to go.
Steamer Lane Supply
Santa Cruz, CA 95060
The Giant Dipper and Looff Carousel are listed as a National Historic Landmark.
Ride the Giant Dipper and Looff Carousel at the Santa Cruz Boardwalk.
What makes the Giant Dipper and Looff Carousel the must-rides from the plethora of options at the Santa Cruz Boardwalk? For starters, the Giant Dipper roller coaster was built in 1927, and it’s a National Historic Landmark. One of the world’s most popular wooden roller coasters, the Giant Dipper boasts a height of 70 feet and a speed of 55 miles per hour. My husband absolutely loved it.
While my husband is an adrenaline junkie, I’m a carousel connesier. Hand-carved by master carousel-maker Charles I.D. Looff, the Santa Cruz Looff carousel is one of only about ten remaining, and it’s the other half of that National Historic Landmark I mentioned above. The stunning Looff carousel features 73 beautiful horses, two chariot seats, and a brass ring dispenser for a ring toss, which adds a really fun challenge. It is, hands down, the coolest carousel I’ve ever ridden. Want to learn more about the Giant Dipper and Looff Carousel? You’ll enjoy their shared Wikipedia page.
Santa Cruz Boardwalk
400 Beach Street
Santa Cruz, CA 95060
Drink wine under the redwood trees at the Beauregard Vineyards tasting room.
Wine tastes better under the cool air of a redwood canopy, and that’s just science.
You’ll find the Beauregard Vineyards tasting room a short 20-minute drive from the heart of Santa Cruz, and the rustic building and scenic grounds are nestled beneath towering redwood trees.
Even though it was drizzling during our visit, we holed up under the redwood canopy for a delightful glass of wine - and stayed totally dry. It was, hands down, one of the coolest places we’ve done a wine tasting, and we even took a couple of bottles home as souvenirs!
Beauregard Vineyards
Santa Cruz, CA 95060
If you’re visiting Santa Cruz for several days, make the trek to Pinnacles National Park.
Take a day trip to Pinnacles National Park.
There’s tons to do in Santa Cruz, but if you have an extra day, it’s absolutely worth the hour-and-a-half drive to Pinnacles National Park. Though one of the smaller National Parks, Pinnacles offers sweeping views, excellent hikes, beautiful caves, and rock climbing experiences, and I wish we’d had even more time there.
If you do plan to head to Pinnacles National Park, please read my post 5 Things We Did Wrong at Pinnacles National Park to get the most out of your adventure!
Tuck into an epic breakfast sandwich from Pretty Good Advice.
The breakfast sandwiches at Pretty Good Advice are so epic that we didn’t even realize it was a vegetarian restaurant until after we ate every last crumb.
This hip Pacific Ave eatery is the brainchild of renowned chef Matt McNamara, and the menu features delicious ingredients from McNamara’s farm in the Santa Cruz mountains. We chowed down on the Final Meltdown, Tom’s Bright Eye Surprise, and a roasted carrot soup special, and everything was heavenly.
Pretty Good Advice
Santa Cruz, CA 95060
Other things to do in Santa Cruz
Here are a few more things that you may love (even if we didn’t!) or that looked cool, and we didn’t have time to experience:
Bowl a strike by the beach at Boardwalk Bowl.
Step back in time by catching a movie at Landmark’s Del Mar Theatre, a vintage art deco theater.
Treat yourself to some self-care at the Teahouse Spa.
Visit the Surfing Museum. This pint-sized, free museum offers an interesting glimpse into local history.
Check out Natural Bridges.
Wander the Santa Cruz Museum of Art & History.
Get a little weird at the Mystery Spot.
Buy tickets for the Seymour Marine Discovery Center.
Make reservations at Home.
Go shopping on Pacific Avenue.
Split a flight at Humble Sea Brewing Company.
Have you been to Santa Cruz ? What are your favorite things to do in the Santa Cruz area? Drop your favorite eateries, bars, activities, and lodging options in the comments below!